Description

Job Title Nuclear Safeguards Research Technologist (Research Technologist 1/2)

Location Los Alamos, NM, US

Organization Name NEN-1/Safeguards Science and Technology

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
What You Will Do

The Safeguards Science and Technology Group (NEN-1) at Los Alamos National Laboratory is seeking a highly motivated technologist to support mission-critical work in nuclear safeguards, nonproliferation, and national security. NEN-1 develops and deploys technologies used to measure, characterize, and safeguard nuclear materials in support of domestic and international missions. This position provides a unique opportunity to work directly with special nuclear material, radiation detection systems, and advanced measurement technologies while contributing to some of the Laboratory's most visible national security programs.

The selected candidate will support laboratory, facility, and field activities involving nuclear materials, radiological sources, and radiation detection instrumentation. Responsibilities include supporting experiments, operating and maintaining measurement systems, collecting and analyzing data, preparing technical documentation, and ensuring work is conducted safely and in compliance with all applicable nuclear, radiological, and security requirements.

This position will be filled at either the Research Technologist 1 or Research Technologist 2 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Research Technologist 1 - $87,800 - $143,000
At the Research Technologist 1 level, the successful candidate will:

• Perform hands-on technical work involving special nuclear material (SNM), radioactive sources, and radiation detection instrumentation.
• Support operations within Material Balance Areas (MBAs) and other controlled nuclear and radiological environments.
• Assist in the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of experimental systems and measurement equipment.
• Collect, analyze, and document data supporting safeguards, measurement, and engineering applications.
• Contribute to the development and execution of experimental plans and research activities.
• Develop and implement procedures and specifications supporting technical work and project execution.
• Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and technologists.
• Ensure compliance with radiological protection, material control and accountability (MC&A), and nuclear criticality safety requirements.

Research Technologist 2 - $96,600 - $158,000
In addition to the responsibilities listed above, candidates selected at the Research Technologist 2 level will:

• Provide technical leadership for assigned tasks and project activities.
• Mentor junior staff, technicians, technologists, students, and postdoctoral researchers.
• Develop technical specifications and implementation plans for project activities.
• Coordinate portions of projects and ensure deliverables meet quality and schedule requirements.
• Contribute to proposal development and strategic planning activities.
• Co-author technical publications and reports.
• Provide technical review and peer review of documentation and work products.
• Serve as a technical resource for nuclear material handling and safeguards measurement activities.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Demonstrated knowledge of scientific principles, experimental methods, and data collection techniques.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in laboratory, radiological, and nuclear environments.
• Demonstrated ability to follow technical procedures and execute work with attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary technical team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, security, and regulatory compliance.

Additional Job Requirements for Research Technologist 2
In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires:

• Demonstrated experience working with nuclear materials, radiological sources, or controlled laboratory environments.
• Ability to independently resolve technical problems of moderate complexity.
• Demonstrated technical leadership and project coordination experience.
• Experience mentoring, training, or supervising technical personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to technical planning and project execution.

Training/Certifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain required radiological, nuclear material handling, and facility qualifications.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q Clearance.

Candidates that meet the degree requirement, but who do not meet the two-year experience requirement, are encouraged to apply and may be considered for hire through an allowable variance.

Education/Experience at Research Technologist 1
Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and two years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at Research Technologist 2
Position requires a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and five years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience handling special nuclear material (SNM), sealed radioactive sources, or radiological materials.
• Familiarity with:
• Material Control and Accountability (MC&A)
• Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS)
• DOE/NNSA regulations and standards
• Experience working in:
• Glovebox environments
• High bay facilities
• Experimental laboratory settings
• Experience with radiation detection instrumentation and measurement systems.
• Strong technical writing and documentation experience.
• Active DOE Q Clearance.

Note to Applicants
For full consideration, applicants should clearly describe experience related to:

• Nuclear or radiological material handling
• Experimental or operational technical work
• Work performed in regulated or controlled environments
• Radiation detection systems and instrumentation

Work Environment:

Work Location : The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:

Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Employment Status Full Time

Appointment Type Regular

Regular